Profiles
Begum Tazeen Faridi
Patron
One look at Begum Tazeen Faridi and you know that this small woman is full of zest. She happily recounts tales from the time of partition today. She is articulate, concise and optimistic about the future of Pakistan. Her commitment and service to APWA and to Pakistan speaks in itself but Begum Faridi wants to Laurels. Completely modest she says she felt it her "National Duty" to contributed to Pakistan because her family had contributed to the Pakistan movement and for her it would be another step towards its progression. She remembers clearly her days as a student when the movement for Pakistan had begun and especially a time when the Quid-e-Azam came and visited her institution and discouraged the entire student from any agitation politics. "He was a remarkable leader full of commitment", she says.
"We had so much zeal then". I remember before partition we used to go on our cycles with chalk and slate to teach the poor. Such was our commitment to this nation. "In a way, our contributions to Pakistan" came naturally because we felt we owed it to our mothers who had fought long and hard for the creation of Pakistan. After my first tender in the Women's National Guard I joined APWA. The Quaid-e-Azam had told Liaquat Ali Khan to closely monitor the women's movement in Pakistan so he took a keen interest in the Women's National Guard. The creation of APWA came about naturally; it all fell in to place because all the women felt that it was their natural duty to be part of such an organization. We had the commitment and the desire to provide a service to the nation. In 1952 APWA was awarded consultative status by the UN and UNICEF, a fact that many may not know about APWA, which still exist today.
Begum Laila Haroon Sarfaraz
President
Begum Laila Haroon Sarfaraz has taken over the responsibility as a President in the year 2005. She belongs to a very well known Haroon Family who has served the country since decades. Her parents Sir Abdullah Haroon & Lady Nusrat Haroon were one of the founders of the country who fought hard to turn their dream of a separate home land for the Muslims into a reality. Their role being a Muslim League leaders are always remembered in the history of Pakistan.
Following the foot steps of the parents, Begum Laila Haroon, her sister Late Begum Hidayatullah, her brother Late Mahmud Haroon and other family members have spent their lives in social wok and in serving the country.
Laila Haroon is an inspirational role model, a talented charismatic who continues the efforts of Begum Ra’ana Ali Khan and successfully manages programs in the field of Health, Education and Social Welfare. She has also served the organization as a Vice-President for Finance & Administration. In her private capacity she oversees various institutions with selfless interest and dedication which includes:
Board Member Sindh Rural Support Program
Board Member SIUT>
Board Member Lady Dufferin Hospital
Member Technical Assistance Study Group with the Asian Development Bank
Member Council of Social Welfare
She has attended many conferences that include:> Pune Conference “Culture Of Peace “ Health for Women & Children in Nov 2001 Second International Scientific Culture& Supportive Congress (ICWSF) in Oct 2001, Tehran. Vienna Conference 21 General Assembly UN / NGO Dynamics 21 Century. Together for Social Justice Equality and Peace in Nov 2000, Vienna Austria. Awards:Star Laurel 2003, Women of the Year 2005
Begum Meher Kermani
Executive Vice President
Begum Kermani is a small woman in size but has large a heart and ample energy. In 1952, Begum Kermani became involved with APWA in Lahore where she began working in centres for women. She was predominantly involved in the administration side, helping destitute women in activities such as sewing, cutting and other training skills. Then she was cut off from APWA from 1952 to 1963 on account of her husband’s various postings. In 1963, Begum Kermani moved to Karachi and rejoined APWA. Since then, she has been actively involved in Health and Family Planning projects and also held a position of Chairperson Family Planning.
Apart from health, education and other charitable activities, she also worked on the APWA jail project to improve the conditions of women prisoners. Begum Kermani doesn’t like to stay idle and has her hands full with many projects and her mind always occupied with innovative ideas. At present, she holds a position of Executive Vice President – APWA National. Her ambition and desire to work in this field has paid her rich dividends and she is a role model for the younger generation to follow.
Awards:
- Member of Honor APWA (March 1992).
- Out standing Voluntary Social Worker (December 1998)
- Star Women Award (2003).
Begum Masuda Ahmed
National Advisor
At the international level, Masudah Ahmad, has made most valuable contribution in promoting and projecting Pakistan. In the 1950s. She spent several years in Bradford, Britain, where her main concern was for uplift of the Asian immigrant community and the promotion of racial harmony.
Masudah Ahmad helped Asian immigrants to tide over the problems related to marriage and cultural disparity. She was instrumental in forming a team to help the Pakistani community at Child Welfare Centres, hospitals, factories, educational institutions and police departments. Masudah Ahmad was the first Asian in the United Kingdom to be nominated for Justice of Peace.She started the "Teenager", the pioneer youth magazine of Pakistan in 1970. The Teenager has helped for building public awareness on important issues that face the country today.
Masudah Ahmad is the Founder and Life Patron of Galaxy of Youth. A Pakistan registered NGO which, for the last twenty years has been rendering commendable services for youth development in Pakistan.
Begum Salima Raisuddin Ahmed
National Advisor
Founder and Life President of Pakistan Federation of Business and Professional Women, she has done vast social services. While in former East Pakistan she was President of All Pakistan Women's Association for 10 years as well as Founder President of the Federation of Business and Professional Women E. Pakistan. She was nominated, Peace Messenger by the United Nations in 1988.
She was also awarded Nishan-e-Imtiaz in 1968 and V.I.P award in 1988.She was represented Pakistan both as a Government representative as well as NGO delegate in various conferences all over the world including Status of Women Commission U.N. at Vienna for three consecutive years. E.S.C.A.P. (1984) at Tokyo, NAM (1985) at New Delhi, and women's World Conference (1985) Nairobi, Business Professional Women's Conference at Bahamas, the Hague, New Zealand, Switzerland, Finland, Germany Canada, Italy, Beijing World Conference. She visited U.S.S.R 1968 and Australia 1964 on good will visit as invitee of these two governments.
She attended the Peace Messenger's Conference at New York 1989 and U.S.S.R. Sochi in 1991, also the Hunger Project Africa Peace Award Ceremony at New York 1989.
Dr. Firoza Ahmed
National Advisor
Dr. Firoza Ahmed a gentle, soft-spoken yet a thorough professional has spent her life emulating he mother Begum H.I Ahmed's ideals of dedication, commitment and unflinching support to betterment of the underprivileged lot of our country.
APWA has received a patient hearing whenever we have sought her expertise. APWA has received extensive attention and time to comprehend and solve women's problems form her as joint Secretary Ministry of Health, social welfare and special education. Her extensive work has won laurels for APWA which she received the converted UNESCO Literacy Award for which APWA has been widely acclaimed.
Begum Mehr Afroze Habib
National Advisor
Begum Habib can be best described as an "ambassador" for APWA. Although her induction into APWA didn't take place until the mid '70 Begum Habib had been familiar with APWA since her earlier lfie when she used to attend the meetings with her mother-in-law who was the first treasurer of APWA. She grew up as a child in an environment which was surrounded by commitment and service. She met Miss Fatima Jinnah and the Quaid at an impressionable age where she looked upon them and saw their sincerity.
Their sacrifices became an inspiration to her and that inspiration was renewed when she met Begum Raana years later. Her commitment has bought her recognition internationally in the number of awards she has received. Following APWA's campaign on peace in 1987, they were awarded the UN Peace Messenger Awards. Begum Habib received a Member of Honore Medal from Raana Liaquat in 1988 and in the same year, she received a certificate of appreciation in recognition of distinguished community work by the General Federation of Women of America.
Begum Mehroo Rashid Habib
Patron: Friends of APWA
Her association with APWA began in mid 1950s when she joined Gul-e-Rana and became treasurer and then president". Now, she holds the post of Chairperson of Gul-e-Rana. Begum Habib also works with other charities such as the LRBT and her family institution, and orphanage. At present Begum Habib is also a Patron of Friends of APWA. This chapter of APWA, most famous for the their annual grand melas, give an opportunity to members from various consulates in the city to get involved in social work.
Yasmin Dastur
Vice President Admin & HR
Yasmin Dastur in true sense a most committed and selfless worker. The attributes she acquired from Begum Ranna Liaquat Ali Khan. She was literally brought up under her influence. Yasmin hails from the Meherjirana family, her forefather Dsatur-e-Dastur Meherjirana who was the Nuaratan of Akbar Badshah's court. Yasmin Dastur joined APWA in the youth sector and recalls the time they spent making packages for the Jawans in 1965 war. In the youth sector Yasmin was involved also with fund raising and other projects like the free eye camp set up in Malir. Yasmin says that APWA lives on its laurels and history and history will say that. The success is visible in the educational institutions in the cottage industrial and even in the laws that APWA helped formulate, in particular the Family Law Ordinance. Begum Ranna, she reminds us, was the founder member of 29 organizations, no mean feat. But she never took sole credit for anything.
Awards: Shama Award, Girls Guide association of Pakistan, Member of Honor Award from All Pakistan Women's Association, "Service - Above Self" Award Catholic Association of Pakistan, Youth leader for the Year 2000 from Galaxy Youth, Khadijatul-Kubra Award - Federation Business and Professionals, Star Women Award - Excellence in Social 2003International Volunteer Award 2003.
Charmine Hidayatullah
Vice President UN & Status Of Women
Charmeine Hidayatullah has the privilege of having been born in a family of prominent social figures the Haroons and Hidayatullahs (whose three generations have served APWA selflessly) she joined APWA in 1980. She has Studied Company and labour law and also given valuable advice and guidance to APWA. Her thesis on role of the United Nations in the development of human rights 1982 was well acclaimed. She has attended numerous seminars, conferences nationally and internationally. She has the distribution of receiving the star women award 1996, in the field of law by South Asia Publication. She has been nominated as a member of NCSW (National Commission on status os Women) which is also a great honor for APWA.
Farzana Rehman
Vice President Public Relations
The Lady with a mission, when you meet this young, soft spoken, dynamic lady who has done something serious about the Women of Pakistan, She is also a Chairperson of Ladies Forum an NGO, RENDERING Humantarien Service for women cause, relentlessly, she is Editor "Women Year Book of Pakistan" which is a voluminious compendium, listife sketches of Ladies attaining distinction in their carrers, It has been the source of unending inspiration to hundreds of bright girls in the country.
1-She was awarded Best Journalist Award 1992 by Waheedi Club.
2-Best performance award 1989 by Pakistan Youth Talent Organization.
3-Best corporation and Excellence Award 1994, by Population Welfare Department Govt. of Sindh.
4-Piryadarshani Award from India.
5-Ch. Zahoor Elahi Award for Social Work in 1998.
6-Best performance Award from beautician Association of Pakistan in 2000.Widely traveled Farzana represented Pakistan at different Seminars and Workshops and Exhibition in India, Nairobi, South Africa, Muscat, Malaysia, Vienna, Beijing (China).
Begum Jahanara Hai
Vice President Education
Begum Jahanara has been associated with APWA since childhood but formally joined APWA about 40 years ago as Secretary industrial Homes, APWA Karachi Branch and was responsible for winning many prizes, shields and certificates for the Projects. Later she held a position of chairperson, International Affairs.
A famed TV artist, Begum Jahan Ara is working as the Vice President - Education APWA National. She looks after the education projects being implemented by APWA all over the country and has founded the APWA Education Forum, under which the talented and deserving girls are awarded scholarships. She has attended many conferences and represented APWA at National and International conferences, workshops, seminars and training programs. She is also a recipient of many awards including Hamdard Foundation Education award, for promoting friendship between Korea and Pakistan and an award for services rendered towards eradication of Tuberculosis.
Begum Rashda Badaat
Vice President
Begum Badaat is a soft spoken elegant woman. She is always smiling and never seems to let pressure get the worst of her. She has served as Treasurer at APWA National Headquarter & at Present holds the Position of Executive Member. She started social work when she was harldy thirteen with the National Guard which was started by Begum Liaquat Ali Khan. Her family were in politics. At partition they were involved in helping the Muslim Leage and her family was also friendly with Mr. Liaquat Ali Khan. She is very proud of her family's involvement and contribution to the country's development.
Begum Najma Swaleh
Consultant
She has been associated with APWA since 2003. At present she serves as a Consultant APWA estate and land matters & legal affairs. Her contributions include formation of Trust for property and investments. She also involves in APWA's legal aid and helpline projects.
Zeb Patel
Secretary General APWA
Zeb Patel joined APWA in the youth sector in 1962. She was a school when Begum Ranna was invited as the chief guest and was inspired by her speech. After hearing her speech she realized that she wanted to do social work so she joined APWA's youth section and became the joint secretary of that. In the youth section she was involved in fund raising programs and found it to be a good learning experience before finally setting foot into APWA's executive committee in the 80's where she started as membership secretary and has now moved to become secretary general.
Although Zeb Pate's work is purely administrational she speaks proudly of APWA's success. "After Begum Raan's death APWA has managed to carry the mantle and do it with success. Our success is visible; there are no scandals, our accounts are clear and every thing is honest." According to her "The spirit to social work has gone and we have become a money oriented society." Her careful nature is enough to rope even the most septic into the warmth that APWA has to offer, itself a reward worth remembering.
Awards:Member of Honor Award from APWA 1992, Member of Ladies Forum, Received award form International Volunteers Society 2001, Received award form Pak - Korea Friendship Society 2002, Star Award from South Asia Publications.
Shireen Zaheer
Joint Secretary General
Begum Zaheer is warm and shy woman who waits a while before fully opening to you. Her association with APWA started when she joined the youth sector in the early 70's. Slowly she moved on to become the youth section secretary then moved to the post of chairperson health and population. At present he holds a position of Joint Secretary General. Her stint with APWA has been continuous with no breaks. She is an honest and dedicated worker and admits that it always hasn't been an easy vocation but its rewards are high. "In all my years I can say that all of us have gained confidence. Our seniors have encouraged us a lot. Begum Rana was appreciative of my work. She made us want to strive for more because of the love we got." And it is because of that love that shireen stays on and puts in that much effort.
Mumtaz Reza
Chairperson Admin/Human Resources
She has been associated with APWA since 2002 and worked on peri urban education and health projects. She has also initiated APWA's handloom project that started producing Khaddar (fabric) in an old traditional way. She is also involved in setting-up an informal Schooling System for the children living in "Kachi Abadis".
Tehmina Zaman
Chairperson International/UN AFFAIRS
Tehmina Zaman is the latest member of the APWA Executive Committee. She brings with her a vast experience of airline industry where she served as a marketing executive. Presently she is handling the correspondence of APWA international and UN affairs. She is a graduate from the University of Karachi in social work, which she practices silently. She is also a travel consultant and an inspirational painter.
Begum Sajida Soomro
Chairperson Karachi Branch/Coordinator Sindh
Begum Soomro has joined APWA in the year 1968 and served on various capacities in the field of Health and Education. She was also a General Secretary from 1990 till the year 2000. Soon after she was elected as the Chairperson of Karachi Branch and still holds the position today. She has attended many conferences and is a recipient of Member of Honor Award in 1988.
Mrs. Khalida Raza
Chairperson Aisha Siddiqa School Gujarnalla
Mrs.Khalida Raza joined APWA in 1996. At present she holds a position of Chairperson for Education at Aisha Siddiqa School located in Gujarnalla, Liaquatabad.
Mrs. Rashida Kiran
Director Projects
Mrs. Kiran got interested in social work at early age and became member of APWA in 2006. At present she holds a position of Honorary Director Projects and manages education projects at Orangi, Korangi, Sadiqabad, Yousuf Goth.
Begum Ishrat Aftab
Executive Member
Begum Aftab was involved with Radio Pakistan before she joined APWA. In the ‘80s Begum Aftab was the information and Research Vice President and later became editor of the APWA's newsletter, she always says that APWA needs volunteers. "We have a lot more work now and we need that kind of dedication. We live in a competitive world and we need to remember that we are a poor nation and we need to do social work for the poor. Family plays a very important role in the future upbringing. Family needs to instill values into their children that they should help their poor. Women are now earning for themselves and that is a great achievement. They are not dependent on others. This is how Begum Aftab thinks, full of positive attitude towards life.
Begum Razia Paracha
Executive Member
Soon after the creation of Pakistan, Begum Piracha shifted to Karachi and in 1952 she joined APWA Karachi Branch and became the Relief Secretary. Her job was to provide assistance to the families that were shocking in from India and who were in need of the basic necessities of life.
After some time she moved to Lahore but did not abandoned her social work. While there, she participated actively in fund-raising which was done to lay the foundation of the APWA Youth College. Once this educational Institute was established she was appointed as Vice President and Professor. She taught Urdu and Persian to FA/BA batches and became an asset to that institution.She also joined the Red Cross and was one of the members of its Executive Committee. She used to arrange Meena Bazars and engaged in organizing other related activities. For this work she received the Governor's Award.
When she returned to Karachi after a couple of years, she became the member of the National Executive Committee of Begum Raana Liaquat Ali Khan. She received a title of "Member of Honor". She is still a member of that Council. Moreover she was the Treasurer of Raana Craft Colony where she worked eighteen years. She also remained member of other Associations too. That also includes the Muslim Women Organizations.